The information on this page is intended for California-based contractors to help them prepare and transport carpet for recycling per the goals of California laws AB 2398 and AB 1158.

Carpet Tile and Broadloom Requirements for Contractors
Carpet Tile and Broadloom Preparation
Carpet Tile and Broadloom Public Collection Sites
Carpet Tile and Broadloom Reuse
Recommended C&D Bid Language

Contact Product & Market Development Manager Rob Thiess if you have questions.

CARE’s Commercial Carpet Takeback Program

The California Carpet Stewardship Program is working to increase the amount of commercial carpet that is reused and recycled. Diverting this material saves landfill space and resources.

Commercial broadloom or carpet tile jobs of more than 5,000 square yards may be eligible for our free takeback program. Please complete the Project Takeback form to request a takeback. Contact Rob Thiess with questions.

Carpet Tile and Broadloom Requirements for Contractors

Upon tear-out, 100% of existing carpet, including carpet padding, should be taken to an approved carpet and/or padding recycling or reuse facility when qualifiers are met unless otherwise required by law. See the CalRecycle website for carpet recycling and reuse qualifiers.

Recycling definition: Converting any manufacturer’s old carpet or carpet components into new carpet or other products that meet the quality standards of the marketplace.

Recycling does not include: 

• Carpet as Alternative Fuel (CAAF)
• Waste-to-Energy (WTE)
• Carpet used as alternative daily cover (ADC).

Carpet Tile and Broadloom Preparation

Carpet should be clean, dry and debris-free to be recycled. Carpet that is fire- or smoke-damaged cannot be recycled and must go to landfill.

Prepare Broadloom Carpet:

• Cut carpet into manageable lengths.
• Roll carpet and padding separately.
• Duct tape/tie the rolls for ease of stacking.

Prepare Carpet Tile:

• Stack tiles on a pallet.
• Wrap with plastic.
• Strap for transport.

Carpet Tile and Broadloom Public Collection Sites

CARE maintains an interactive map of public sites that collect carpet and tile for recycling here.

Carpet Tile and Broadloom Reuse

Tear-out carpet is sometimes in good enough condition to be reused. Visit the CalRecycle Construction and Demolition Recycling page for information and resources for reuse and recycling of C&D materials.

Convention Center Carpet

CARE works with convention centers to find reuse and recycling opportunnities. See also: Case Study: Convention Carpet Recycling with CARE.